Family and Children Financial support for families
Families with children are relieved and supported by the German state through various benefits. The most important benefits for families are child benefit, parental allowance and maternity benefits.
child benefit (Kindergeld)
Child benefits are payments made by the state to child´s legal guardians. Child benefits are paid at least until the age of 18, or alternatively until the child reaches the age of 25 if the child is in school, doing professional training or is at university. Foreign parents can also apply for child benefit under certain conditions.
A parent or legal guardian can generally apply for child benefits if his or her official or usual place of residence is in Germany. Additionally, the child’s official or usual place of residence must also be in Germany or a country in the European Union. If the applicant’s place of residence is outside of Germany, he or she may still be eligible to receive child benefit payments if he or she is required to pay income taxes in Germany without limitation, meaning that the bulk of his or her income is earned in Germany. Under certain conditions, a parent or legal guardian can be eligible for child benefits even if the usual place of residence is not in Germany or if the income is earned outside of Germany. Such cases, however, are decided on an individual basis at the time of application by the appropriate family benefits office (Familienkasse) at the Federal Employment Agency (Bundesagentur für Arbeit).
Child benefits are paid regardless of income. It amouts to 250 euros per month per chld as of 01.01.2023.
Detailed information on child benefit and application forms can be found on the website of the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth and on the website of the Federal Employment Agency.
Childbenefit for guest researchers
Citizens of member states of the EU or EEA and citizens of Switzerland who work in Germany or live in Germany without working are subject to the same requirements for claiming child allowance as citizens of Germany.
Because of agreements between the countries of Serbia, Montenegro, Bosnia-Herzegowina, Morocco, Tunisia,Turkey and Germany, citizens of these countries are eligible to receive child benefits even if they do not have a settlement permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis) or a residence permit (Aufenthaltserlaubnis). This is, however, the case only if they are employed in Germany and contribute to the unemployment insurance system.
Citizens of all other countries living in Germany can receive child benefits only if they have a valid settlement permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis) or a residence permit (Aufenthaltserlaubnis) for certain purposes.
Parental allowance (Elterngeld)
The purpose of parental allowance is to compensate for the loss of income after the birth of a child. However, parental allowance is also available for parents who had no income at all before the birth of the child (as of 01.09.2021).
Parental allowance is available in three variants, which can be combined with each other:
- The basic parental allowance (Basiselterngeld) amounts to 65% of the average monthly disposable income after deduction of taxes, social security contributions and income-related expenses before the birth, up to a maximum of 1,800 euros and a minimum of 300 euros. It is paid to the father and mother for a maximum of 14 months. Both parents are free to divide the period between them. One parent can claim a maximum of 12 months for themselves. There are two additional months if there is no earned income during this time and the partner is involved in caring for the child.
- ElterngeldPlus can be claimed for twice as lond as basic parental allowance. Depending on your income, it amouts to between 150 and 900 euros.
- If both parents work part-time at the same time, they can receive up to four additional months of ElterngeldPlus. Single parents also receive this partnership bonus (Partneschaftsbonus).
Mothers and fathers are entitled to parental allowance if they
- look after and bring up their children themselves after the birth
- do not work more than 32 hours a week
- live with their children in the same household and
- have a place of residence or habitual abode in Germany.
Foreign parents must meet further requirements.
The best way to apply for parental allowance is online via the L-Bank website.
Parental allowance for guest researchers
Citizens of countries in the EU, of Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein and Switzerland are generally eligible for parental allowance if they are employed in Germany or, if not employed, if they are living in Germany.
Citizens of other countries are eligible for parental allowance if, as evidenced by their residence permit, they plan to stay in Germany long-term and if they have access to employment. Anyone with a settlement permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis) fulfils these requirements. Those with a residence permit fulfil the requirements only if they are permitted to work in Germany or have already worked here. Parents with a residence permit for educational purposes or in connection with a short time-limited work permit (for example seasonal workers) can not receive parental allowance.
Maternity pay (Mutterschaftsgeld)
During maternity leave, which is generally 6 weeks before and 8 weeks after birth, employed mothers receive maternity pay. Mothers who have health insurance with a state-regulated insurance company receive up to 13 Euros per day. Working mothers who are insured privately or are part of a family insurance policy with a state-regulated insurance company receive a total of maximum 210 Euros from the Federal (Social) Insurance Office (Bundesversicherungsamt) as of 2024.
Women whose employment was terminated legally during pregnancy receive maternity pay through the state-regulated insurance system (Krankenkasse). Members of a state-regulated insurance company receive payment through their company. Others receive their maternity pay through the Federal Office for Social Security. It is possible to obtain detailed information about maternity pay from the Krankenkasse or from the Federal Office for Social Security.